Scott Peterson Death Sentence Overturned

Scott Peterson's death sentence in murder of pregnant wife overturned by California Supreme Court
Laci Peterson and their unborn son, Conner, were killed over 15 years ago



The California Supreme Court on Monday overturned the death penalty sentence for Scott Peterson, convicted in the Christmas Eve murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner.

The court's decision came more than 15 years after Laci, a Modesto, Calif., school teacher, was killed. Investigators said Peterson dumped his wife's body from his fishing boat into the San Francisco Bay in 2002. The bodies of Laci and Conner surfaced months later.

While the murder conviction against Peterson stayed in place, the court ordered a new penalty phase trial.


"Peterson contends his trial was flawed for multiple reasons, beginning with the unusual amount of pretrial publicity that surrounded the case," the court found. "We reject Peterson's claim that he received an unfair trial as to guilt and thus affirm his convictions for murder."

SCOTT PETERSON: 'I HAD NO IDEA' CONVICTION IN LACI PETERSON MURDER WAS COMING

However, the court ruled the trial judge in Peterson's case "made a series of clear and significant errors in jury selection that, under long-standing United States Supreme Court precedent, undermined Peterson's right to an impartial jury at the penalty phase."

The court also agreed that potential jurors improperly were dismissed from the jury pool after saying they personally disagreed with the death penalty but would be willing to impose it per California law.

Peterson, now 47, also claimed on appeal that he couldn't get a fair trial because of the massive publicity that surrounded his case, even though his trial was held nearly 90 miles away from his Central Valley home of Modesto to San Mateo County, south of San Francisco.


SCOTT PETERSON: 15 YEARS LATER, A LOOK BACK AT A CASE THAT GRIPPED A NATION

Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager did not immediately say if she would seek the death penalty again.

Peterson has been housed on San Quentin State Prison's death row since he was sentenced to death by lethal injection in 2005.

Peterson's case grabbed national headlines and intense pressure was put on investigators to find her killer. They chased nearly 10,000 tips and considered parolees and convicted sex offenders as possible suspects.

On Dec. 24, 2002, Peterson called his mother-in-law, Sharon Rocha, in the early evening to ask if Laci was with her. He told Rocha he had returned from a day of fishing and when he got home, Laci's car was in the driveway and their dog was in the backyard with his leash on.


The call to Rocha around 5:15 p.m. would set off a chain of events that would move an entire community, which jumped into action to find the missing mom to be. As the days and weeks went on, the search for Laci, who was 8 1/2 months pregnant when she disappeared, became more desperate.

Peterson claimed she was home the morning he left for his fishing trip in the San Francisco Bay and that was the last time he saw her.



Laci's family went on television, pleading for her safe return and for any information to help find her.

"Please bring my daughter home," Rocha asked the public in one news conference.

Attention soon turned to Peterson who has maintained he had nothing to do with Laci's disappearance.

One month after Laci's disappearance, police revealed her husband was living a double life, having an affair with a massage therapist who was living in Fresno by the name of Amber Frey.

SCOTT PETERSON MISTRESS AMBER FREY SUED OVER 'MEMOIRS OF A SEX ADDICT,' 'MYTHS OF THE FLESH'

Frey, a single mother, went to police once she became aware that the man she thought was her boyfriend was quickly becoming a prime suspect in a nationally televised case.

She eventually would go on to wear a wire and helped police record her conversations with Peterson, which would play a key role in the trial.


On April 13, 2003, the body of a baby boy was discovered along the shore of San Francisco Bay. The next day, the body of an adult female wearing maternity clothes was found nearby. The bodies were positively identified as those of Laci and her unborn son Conner.

Peterson was arrested in San Diego just days after the bodies were discovered.


He had dyed his hair blonde, grown a goatee and had many items in his car which led investigators to believe he may have been ready to run.

The double murder trial would take more than a year to begin, but at the end Scott Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing his wife, and second-degree murder for killing Conner.

Peterson, who pleaded not guilty, has always maintained his innocence.


He had dyed his hair blonde, grown a goatee and had many items in his car which led investigators to believe he may have been ready to run.

The double murder trial would take more than a year to begin, but at the end Scott Peterson was found guilty of first-degree murder for killing his wife, and second-degree murder for killing Conner.

Peterson, who pleaded not guilty, has always maintained his innocence.

Scott Peterson's death sentence in murder of pregnant wife overturned by California Supreme Court

The California Supreme Court on Monday overturned Scott Peterson's 2005 death sentence in the murder of his pregnant wife, Laci, but left the door open for prosecutors to try again for the same sentence.

www.foxnews.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

Haven't watched it, have no clue what happened today but it reminded me he had a hearing today, running into this.

First news I've seen on it when past time to go to bed.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

MSN

Story by Richard Winton
• 13h • 3 min read

One of California's most notorious convicted murderers, Scott Peterson, appeared in court via video Tuesday in an effort to get DNA testing of evidence that he says could exonerate him in the killing of his pregnant wife and unborn son.

Peterson's attempt to clear his name is now backed by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal group with a reputation for exonerating wrongfully convicted criminals. Peterson appeared from Mule Creek state prison in a blue prison shirt nearly two decades after he was convicted of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, and tossing her body into San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve 2002.

<snip>

In a San Mateo County courtroom Tuesday, Paula Mitchell, executive director of the Innocence Project, began what she described as one of several motions in an effort to show Peterson's constitutional rights were violated, including a "claim of actual innocence that is supported by newly discovered evidence."

Mitchell told the judge that for decades since Peterson's 2004 trial, vital evidence connected to the conviction has been withheld and that prosecutors continue to thwart and delay the discovery of potentially exculpatory evidence.

"Mr. Peterson’s been waiting for 20 years for police reports and audio recordings and video recordings that should have been provided,” she said “We are eager to get our investigation underway.”

Key to the Innocence Project's efforts is a van that was set on fire on Dec. 25, 2002 in Modesto, a day after a burglary at a home near the Petersons' residence. Inside the van was a mattress with what one investigator has said appeared to be bloodstains. That van was found a mile from the Peterson home, raising the possibility that it could have played a role in the murder.

The Innocence Project alleges that it has evidence from the van owner that shows that the van did not have a mattress inside it before it was stolen and before Laci Peterson's killing.

Mitchell on Tuesday also said she had given prosecutors an informal request for "very specific" items of discovery on Nov. 14, 2023, and continues to wait for access to those items including audio recordings, interviews notes and police reports.

"We spent a lot of time trying to suss out what, frankly, are very alarming deficiencies in the discovery that was provided to the defense at the time of trial," Mitchell said.

Peterson appeared via a monitor in the courtroom and smiled at one point when asked if he could hear. His hair was pulled back into a man bun or ponytail and answered briefly when the judge asked if he understood.

Peterson has maintained his innocence since his arrest and in court papers noted that there is no physical evidence tying him to the killings.

A judge set hearings for April 16 and May 29 to discuss the wider discovery and DNA issue. The judge told prosecutors they needed to address both issues as Mitchell repeatedly expressed concerns about delays by prosecutors.

“Today’s hearing was just the first step in a long process. We have not commented on our motions, and we will continue to present our case in court — where it should be adjudicated,” Mitchell said in a statement.

 

[GrandmaBear]

MSN

Story by Richard Winton
• 13h • 3 min read

One of California's most notorious convicted murderers, Scott Peterson, appeared in court via video Tuesday in an effort to get DNA testing of evidence that he says could exonerate him in the killing of his pregnant wife and unborn son.

Peterson's attempt to clear his name is now backed by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal group with a reputation for exonerating wrongfully convicted criminals. Peterson appeared from Mule Creek state prison in a blue prison shirt nearly two decades after he was convicted of killing his pregnant wife, Laci, and tossing her body into San Francisco Bay on Christmas Eve 2002.

<snip>

In a San Mateo County courtroom Tuesday, Paula Mitchell, executive director of the Innocence Project, began what she described as one of several motions in an effort to show Peterson's constitutional rights were violated, including a "claim of actual innocence that is supported by newly discovered evidence."

Mitchell told the judge that for decades since Peterson's 2004 trial, vital evidence connected to the conviction has been withheld and that prosecutors continue to thwart and delay the discovery of potentially exculpatory evidence.

"Mr. Peterson’s been waiting for 20 years for police reports and audio recordings and video recordings that should have been provided,” she said “We are eager to get our investigation underway.”

Key to the Innocence Project's efforts is a van that was set on fire on Dec. 25, 2002 in Modesto, a day after a burglary at a home near the Petersons' residence. Inside the van was a mattress with what one investigator has said appeared to be bloodstains. That van was found a mile from the Peterson home, raising the possibility that it could have played a role in the murder.

The Innocence Project alleges that it has evidence from the van owner that shows that the van did not have a mattress inside it before it was stolen and before Laci Peterson's killing.

Mitchell on Tuesday also said she had given prosecutors an informal request for "very specific" items of discovery on Nov. 14, 2023, and continues to wait for access to those items including audio recordings, interviews notes and police reports.

"We spent a lot of time trying to suss out what, frankly, are very alarming deficiencies in the discovery that was provided to the defense at the time of trial," Mitchell said.

Peterson appeared via a monitor in the courtroom and smiled at one point when asked if he could hear. His hair was pulled back into a man bun or ponytail and answered briefly when the judge asked if he understood.

Peterson has maintained his innocence since his arrest and in court papers noted that there is no physical evidence tying him to the killings.

A judge set hearings for April 16 and May 29 to discuss the wider discovery and DNA issue. The judge told prosecutors they needed to address both issues as Mitchell repeatedly expressed concerns about delays by prosecutors.

“Today’s hearing was just the first step in a long process. We have not commented on our motions, and we will continue to present our case in court — where it should be adjudicated,” Mitchell said in a statement.

I almost used a laughing emoji but it is far from funny.

First of all this man had an attorney, Mark Geragos of fame, who went all out for his client no?

Odd sentence that for decades SINCE his trial, evidence connected to the conviction has been withheld... They aren't saying evidence was withheld that should have been available at trial. In the next sentence he's been sitting 20 years for reports and audiot that should have been provided so I'd assume they are talking of the same? Why would LE be investigating and have such after trial, SINCE his conviction, he's been convicted, no investigation is going on. Not making much sense the wording here.

Nice of kidnappers to get a mattress for a pregnant Laci for the van. Thoughtful kidnappers. Also smart ones to throw her in the bay where Scott just happened to go fishing and figure since he was cheating on his wife with Amber, why not frame him. They are some really smart and thoughtful kidnappers.

Then we have an "INFORMAL" request to prosecutors. We'll make it formal, duh. I wouldn't provide it either if not a formal request or required to provide, assuming there is such they request.

"Suss out" love that trendy talk. Alarming deficiencies as to what was provided to the defense at the time of trial. Well again, he had Geragos, so I guess Geragos wasn't much of an attorney for him.

Scott surprises me not at all that he'd take up the man bun or ponytail thing. Now that's laughable but the fact he'd do so isn't a surprise. He's too old for it, it is for young good looking men or maybe a few select older few with just the wisdom to wear it the right way/right kind for their look and age. I saw someone the other day wearing one who should NOT HAVE BEEN. Yes, it's a comment that is shallow and intentional when it comes to the likes of the murdering Scott Peterson. So what. Just like all do with Lori Daybell.

No physical evidence. Just a ton of circumstantial. Strong circumstantial.

You know there wasn't with Casey Anthony either but everyone believes she should have been found guilty. Some of the same who believe in the Innocence Project who'd probably be representing her if she had been convicted.

Not that there aren't likely SOME that should be looked at. And not just high profile ones.

Scott Peterson killed his wife and unborn son. A jury said so. He had a private attorney who'd along with others classify him as top notch. No van driving mattress buying kidnappers took Laci and ensured she was comfortable on a mattress for God's sake and dumped her in the bay where Scott just also happened to be and go to.

Scott though already has gotten some of what such 'pathic types want, I don't do the psycho, socio, narcissitic buzz word crap. He thinks he is relevant again, he has attention again, he dressed for the occasion with his man bun or ponytail and tried to be up with the times hoping an older Amber or some new woman would see him and come to his aid or break into his cell. He has the big Innocence Project in it for him who is using sentences and terms that just read between the lines with here make no sense.

It reminds me of what Vinnie recently said with faux casts was it? You can make most believe anything just let them pick and choose what is aired, edited and what they want the viewer, jury or you name it to buy into.

Scott Peterson killed his wife and unborn son and we all (or most) know that.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Convicted killer Scott Peterson back in court seeking new trial

L.A. Innocence Project attorneys have requested a review of evidence not presented in the 2004 trial.

www.nbcnewyork.com

Published April 16, 2024 • Updated on April 16, 2024 at 8:51 pm​

Convicted killer Scott Peterson was back in Redwood City, California, court via Zoom video Tuesday for a hearing connected to his bid for a new murder trial.

It has been nearly 20 years since Peterson was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife Laci and their unborn son Connor. Peterson told investigators he left home to go fishing in Berkeley the morning of Christmas Eve 2002, the day Laci disappeared.

The remains of Laci and Connor surfaced months later on the shores of Berkeley.

Peterson last appeared in court via Zoom in March with his new lawyers from the L.A. Innocence Project. They are making a case that there is enough new evidence to grant Peterson a retrial.

Peterson's legal team wants a judge to review evidence that wasn't presented to the court 20 years ago. The evidence is linked to a robbery that occurred near the Peterson home in Modesto around the time Laci disappeared.

Peterson's lawyers say Modesto police withheld evidence and disregarded the robbery too quickly.

During Tuesday's proceedings, the judge was expected to rule on a motion to seal set forth by Peterson’s defense attorneys from the L.A. Innocence Project. But they ended up withdrawing the motion.

Both parties essentially agreed to keep a particular letter with names of potential witnesses redacted, as it is.

In a previous hearing, the defense originally put forth the motion to protect the identity of witnesses who want to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. Prosecutors made the case that those identities are already redacted and a quarter of names and addresses have already been made public at some point.

Another focal point is a burned out van and a stained mattress that were found the day after Laci disappeared. Peterson’s lawyers have asked a judge to order DNA testing on the items. A hearing related to that evidence will take place May 29.

Prosecutors have argued against certain requests in the three motions made by Peterson’s attorneys, saying they were taken up on initial appeal and litigated in the original trial.

Peterson has maintained his innocence throughout his conviction and imprisonment and has made multiple attempts to get his case retried, none of them successful.

 

[GrandmaBear]

This is ridiculous. It was a robbery not a murder and the robbers did not kill Laci and then follow Scott to the bay where he was "fishing" and dump her body to frame him.
The public had better become aware of what is going on in our system and it will only get worse. Imo.

 

[Guess Who]

This is ridiculous. It was a robbery not a murder and the robbers did not kill Laci and then follow Scott to the bay where he was "fishing" and dump her body to frame him.
The public had better become aware of what is going on in our system and it will only get worse. Imo.

I'm wondering now if this group got a donation with the strings attached of looking into this case.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I'm wondering now if this group got a donation with the strings attached of looking into this case.

GOOD THOUGHT. Not impossible. People need to really get a clue about some of these non profits, another thing going on in this country that has gone nuts and should not be legal with some. So many still think every non profit is some good org where money isn't pouring into pockets of those that lead them. And agendas on to of it.

And even worse, here we have them affecting justice.

Nothing will ever get better, people have not know or stood by and always will while it just gets worse.

Or even worse think almost every defendant is innocent or framed, etc.

 

[Guess Who]

GOOD THOUGHT. Not impossible. People need to really get a clue about some of these non profits, another thing going on in this country that has gone nuts and should not be legal with some. So many still think every non profit is some good org where money isn't pouring into pockets of those that lead them. And agendas on to of it.

And even worse, here we have them affecting justice.

Nothing will ever get better, people have not know or stood by and always will while it just gets worse.

Or even worse think almost every defendant is innocent or framed, etc.

I can't say that would be illegal in any way for a non profit. If a donor donated enough for several other cases to be looked into also, what is the harm of any party by them doing it? This isn't a government entity.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I can't say that would be illegal in any way for a non profit. If a donor donated enough for several other cases to be looked into also, what is the harm of any party by them doing it? This isn't a government entity.

I dont' think we are talking the same thing. I am simply talking of what some think all nonprofits are. They aren't all selfless non monied, non salaried giving orgs. I could say the same about sales tax exempt nonprofits and other orgs and businesses. There is much abuse.

There are many things that should not qualify as nonprofits but that our govt has stupidly made legal.

When a family of say three runs one and they each take in a six figure salary and all the donations or most, but are a nonprofit it is not right. Barry and Suzanne had a nonprofit. Tried to get figured out by many at much time invested.

Also no one can tell me many nonprofits even well known ones main purpose is to do good. They are huge money makers.

Anyhow illegal? No, probably not. Some things should be though.

Like give enough $$ to a university to be sure your worthless student who barely graduated gets a top spot right? Maybe not nonprofit in the same sense but same idea.

You are the one who brought up a donation to the innocence project with the condition scott's case be taken on as speculation of course.

Of course there is the other possibility. They go largely for the high profile ones of course. And Peterson is.

 

[Guess Who]

I dont' think we are talking the same thing. I am simply talking of what some think all nonprofits are. They aren't all selfless non monied, non salaried giving orgs. I could say the same about sales tax exempt nonprofits and other orgs and businesses. There is much abuse.

There are many things that should not qualify as nonprofits but that our govt has stupidly made legal.

When a family of say three runs one and they each take in a six figure salary and all the donations or most, but are a nonprofit it is not right. Barry and Suzanne had a nonprofit. Tried to get figured out by many at much time invested.

Also no one can tell me many nonprofits even well known ones main purpose is to do good. They are huge money makers.

Anyhow illegal? No, probably not. Some things should be though.

Like give enough $$ to a university to be sure your worthless student who barely graduated gets a top spot right? Maybe not nonprofit in the same sense but same idea.

You are the one who brought up a donation to the innocence project with the condition scott's case be taken on as speculation of course.

Of course there is the other possibility. They go largely for the high profile ones of course. And Peterson is.

United Way and Salvation Army are two of the worst in their ratio of what comes in vs what actually goes into their actual cause.

 

[GrandmaBear]

United Way and Salvation Army are two of the worst in their ratio of what comes in vs what actually goes into their actual cause.

I don't think much of Goodwill or Red Cross. For not just those reasons but others. Lists have been put out at times.

I prefer to donate locally or help someone although United Way is local and I won't. So I agree with you there. Don't get me wrong, they DO donate to local groups and pick several, and you can donate out of paycheck, etc. quite a racket really. And I can like some of who they are donating it to in the local community but not like them and as you say their ratios, etc.

I can donate to these groups myself and have. In my life. Not like I can always or a lot. However, even then my way is I think helping your neighbor or some single mom next door, etc. or some eldlery person that has a home but can't pay their taxes or take care of their own yard is a far better way to go. You change the life and help in the life of someone you know and may make such a huge difference with a couple of kindnesses in a life maybe stretched to the max with coping but someone you can see is doing all they can and are good or want things to be better or just can't do it.

A bit O/T as has nothing to do with the Innocence Project really, etc.

Haven't done or helped much in awhile but I do all I can for customers at work particularly the older ones who I know not long will be us who barely probably get out to get their necessities, go though the store, etc. I also work with a gal younger by far than I but an adult who does not drive and she lives where I do and she has to walk to work, come rain, white sh*t, ice, wind, lightning and walk home in same sometimes after 9 or later. I try to always remember to text her my schedule and any time we match I give her a ride. I have even offered to wait or come on a day off. Even offered my car but gather she doesn't drive, not sure why.

Where I work has a great customer type overall. I see people helping people every single day, one customer helping another load stuff, they forgot their bag, they will run out and catch them, etc.

These are little things but it is impressive. Someone one day lost the equivalent of about $1,000. I told them to check at the desk and they doubte they would ever see again, lo and behold it was turned in! I see I with wallets, phones, etc. almost never taken and almost always turned in and found.

There are tons of good people in this world yet and of course I am sidetracking on a tangent majorly lol. However it fills my heart and seriously brings tears. But then I don't work at somewhere like a Walmart or even a gas station/convenience store where I think your customer base is going to be a lot more varied.

Anyhow, I say help your neighbors or the stranger near you you can tell works hard and just needs some help, etc. not to some org almost all of which have some highly paid people running them, non profit I mean. Go adopt a DOG from your local shelter OR take one from someone who can't keep them any longer and is an older animal, and maybe they need to go into a nursing ghiome. Two of my mom's cats came that way, one of which she still has. She has two but two came that way, one died, one of those two remains.

Anyhow I'd bette stop lol. Days off ending and packed in too much and feel I never get enough time EVER. Story in itself of this last week and next week I get no days off to speak of as have to use them to take care of something and then right back to work. No rest for the wicked. Apparently I am as I get little.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Scott Peterson's Defense Team Outlines "Orange Van" Theory in Their Latest Filing | Oxygen Official Site

Learn more about the latest developments in the case of Scott Peterson, accused of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child.

www.oxygen.com

By Cydney Contreras
May 8, 2024, 4:29 PM ET

Lawyers for Scott Peterson are continuing in their efforts to have new evidence retested in the controversial case.

On Tuesday, May 6, lawyers from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, which took on Peterson's case late last year, filed a new motion pressing the courts to allow retesting of evidence. They specifically asked to test a bloody mattress found in a burned van in the Modesto, California area the morning after Laci Peterson disappeared, local news station ABC7 reported.

The defense's filing comes after Stanislaus County prosecutors argued that new testing is not necessary to the case since the evidence was already retested in 2013 and 2019. The prosecutors wrote in their motion that those results were "fruitless," according to the Modesto Bee.

In January 2024, the Innocence Project filed their first motion seeking "new evidence" from the original trial, arguing that it could prove Peterson was wrongly convicted. Their motion indicated that there were numerous evidentiary items they could not locate, potentially impacting Peterson's ability to defend himself and prove his innocence.

It was additionally revealed that the Innocence Project is looking into a potential connection to a December 2002 burglary that took place across the street from the Peterson home in Stanislaus County, as well as a van fire that took place in the Airport District on December 25, 2002.

The van is of particular interest to the defense as it was seemingly intentionally set on fire. Additionally, a bloodied mattress found inside the van is a piece of evidence they'd like to see entirely retested — instead of just a sample — through advanced DNA technology, per ABC7's recent report.

A court hearing will be held on May 29 to decide on the matter.

The Defense's Theory​

The defense is testing the theory that Laci Peterson was abducted and thrown into an orange van while walking her dog the afternoon of December 24, 2002. Per the filing, multiple witnesses purportedly saw the pregnant woman walking her dog in the La Loma neighborhood, which would mean she was still alive when Scott Peterson left to go fishing at a nearby lake. The L.A. Innocence Project suggests in their January filing that, instead of Scott, two individuals who burglarized a home across from the Petersons' could've been the perpetrators, according to KRON4.

The defense additionally wrote in their January filing that there were multiple witnesses who reported seeing "an older '70s van" in the La Loma neighborhood on various occasions throughout December. However, sightings of the van ceased in the year following.

This theory has been brought up multiple times over the years, but authorities have long insisted that the robbery likely took place on December 26, about two days after Laci Peterson was last seen, according to a 2007 report by the Modesto Bee. The exact date of the robbery is unclear since the owners of the home were traveling from December 24-26. The burglars have additionally denied involvement in the crime.

Peterson currently remains behind bars for the murder of Laci and their unborn son, having been convicted by a jury in April 2004. He was originally handed a death sentence which was later reduced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a Superior Court found that jurors were not properly screened for bias before they decided on his sentence.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Anyone got the stats on how much the project made this year? In 2020 it was 21 million dollars.

Scott killed Lacy. Period. Of course jmo. AND his unborn child.

This world has gone nuts and so have a good portion of the people in it.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Scott Peterson's bid for new trial: Judge rejects nearly all requests to retest evidence

A judge has ruled against nearly all requests to retest evidence for DNA from convicted murderer Scott Peterson’s defense team.

www.nbcnewyork.com

By NBC Bay Area staff • Published May 29, 2024 • Updated 4 hours ago​

A judge has ruled against nearly all requests to retest evidence for DNA from convicted murderer Scott Peterson's defense team.

Peterson returned to court Wednesday in an ongoing bid for a new trial to clear his name.

Peterson, who was convicted more than 20 years ago of killing his wife Laci and their unborn son Connor, appeared in a Redwood City courtroom virtually from Mule Creek State Prison in Amador County, where he is serving a life sentence.

Peterson's team of lawyers with the L.A. Innocence Project filed several motions, including DNA testing of items gathered during the original murder investigation. Those items consist of a bloody mattress found inside a burned-out van found near the Petersons' Modesto home and a tarp found in San Francisco Bay near where Laci’s remains were found.

The judge said the defense failed to prove why it needed to do new DNA testing on the evidence.

Although most of the motions were dismissed, the judge will allow for DNA testing of the tape found on Laci's pants when her remains were found.

 

[GrandmaBear]

GOOD. Should have ruled out the tape too imo.

Innocence Project of LA can go stick it where the sun don't shine in this case. Which makes me wonder about most quite honestly. Jmo.

 

[Guess Who]

GOOD. Should have ruled out the tape too imo.

Innocence Project of LA can go stick it where the sun don't shine in this case. Which makes me wonder about most quite honestly. Jmo.

It never really hurts to go give a second look at things later, especially as technology evolves. What I'm hoping for is it finds in the process is even more evidence of his guilt.

 

[GrandmaBear]

It never really hurts to go give a second look at things later, especially as technology evolves. What I'm hoping for is it finds in the process is even more evidence of his guilt.

If there's real cause, sure. No robbers with a mattress dumped her in the bay where Scott happened to be "fishing".

And while I want no one innocent convicted and suffering, I am really skeptical of the LA project and certain nonprofits and their real objective.

Peterson killed his wife and son. These days they'd probably find some transfer or touch DNA on something normal to have such and overturn the entire case. It's gotten beyond ridiculous.

Judge made the right decision, not sure of the tape and why but didn't read the link.

 

[Guess Who]

If there's real cause, sure. No robbers with a mattress dumped her in the bay where Scott happened to be "fishing".

And while I want no one innocent convicted and suffering, I am really skeptical of the LA project and certain nonprofits and their real objective.

Peterson killed his wife and son. These days they'd probably find some transfer or touch DNA on something normal to have such and overturn the entire case. It's gotten beyond ridiculous.

Judge made the right decision, not sure of the tape and why but didn't read the link.

This investigation will either have new evidence or it won't. IF they do find evidence that excludes him (imo they won't) then shouldn't they be able to present it? Shouldn't they be able to prove that evidence was withheld if they do (imo again that they won't)? Taxpayers aren't paying for this, so what's the harm?

 

[GrandmaBear]

This investigation will either have new evidence or it won't. IF they do find evidence that excludes him (imo they won't) then shouldn't they be able to present it? Shouldn't they be able to prove that evidence was withheld if they do (imo again that they won't)? Taxpayers aren't paying for this, so what's the harm?

I don't know. Don't they have to find new evidence generally first to get a new trial, etc.? Wasn't the chance to test there at trial or befoe? And I guess that would mean incompetent counsel. I think there is an entire can of worms here as far as what's the harm? Scott had a PRIVATE paid ATTORNEY. Not a public defender.

I hesitate to commit to anything because all of us should admit there are a lot of things going on that have changed without our knowledge in the system. A TON. From sentencing to release to rights to evidnece to Alerts to more.

And did you just say the first trial or maybe you meant this re-look did not cost taxpayers take a look here... Seems like both did and will. Why when the innocence project brings in a ton of money and is a nonprofit...

https://www.modbee.com/news/local/crime/scott-peterson-case/article251326023.html

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/scott-peterson-hearing-murder-trial/

Scott Peterson returns to court in bid for new murder trial​

A California judge has wrapped up a hearing regarding convicted murderer Scott Peterson’s ongoing fight for a new trial.

Peterson, who attended the hearing via Zoom, is serving a life sentence for the 2002 killing of his pregnant wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son.

The most recent hearing began Monday and dealt with how DNA testing of a piece of duct tape found on Laci Peterson’s pants would proceed. The defense and prosecution agreed on a lab that would conduct the testing of this evidence.

The hearing also addressed the defense’s motion to access discovery materials.

Last fall, the LA Innocence Project took up Peterson’s case, saying there was an abundance of evidence Peterson never received while defending himself two decades ago. His current defense team is now requesting access to hundreds of items they say will exonerate Peterson.

The defense asked for 26 categories of items from police reports, recordings, emails and communications. The ask also includes evidence in the investigation into a burglary at the home of Peterson’s neighbors on the same day Laci Peterson disappeared, Christmas Eve 2002.

For nearly two days, lawyers on both sides painstakingly went over each piece of evidence in question one by one. Judge Elizabeth Hill patiently listened and asked her questions as to how it referred to the discovery motion under California Penal Code, 1054.9.

“This is critically important information, your honor. This is exculpatory. The defense was not provided, and the jury heard nothing about it,” said Paula Mitchell, director of the LA Innocence Project.

However, Stanislaus County Deputy District Attorney Ahnna Reicks said the defense is speculating.

“It’s speculation to go and search for items they cannot pinpoint. It’s a wish essentially,” she said.

Judge Hill is expected to submit a ruling in writing within three months regarding the discovery hearing.